Alchemy is group fitness transformed. Combining the best of yoga, strength training, and high intensity conditioning, Alchemy provides an unmatched group fitness experience. This complete fitness program can be customized to the needs of any individual, regardless of background, experience, or injury and will yield noticeable and measurable results. At Alchemy, we believe that fitness changes lives and aim to facilitate those transformations in our local communities.

New class alert! Need a jump start to your training program? Participate in high intensity interval training exercises in this 8 week program. This short duration, but high intensity interval training (HIIT) creates a prolonged afterburn, or EPOC (excess post oxygen consumption). This type of training causes the body to take longer to return to its state of rest, so it continues to burn calories (5x more) at a higher rate long after the workout session has completed. Put simply, a 4-minute Tabata Bootcamp™ workout can reap the same benefits as a longer but steady workout, like running for a half hour. We will use equipment such as the WaterRower, plyometrics and weight training to increase cardio and muscular endurance all while blasting away that stubborn fat.

Heat Yoga Studio is a community based studio offering heated and non-heated yoga classes for students of all levels. Our diverse program includes classes like HOT Yoga (104-105 Degrees), Intermediate (98-100 Degrees), Restorative Yoga (No Heat), Gentle Flow (Warm), Rocket, Broga and Yoga Sculpt. We begin bright and early for those who practice before work and hold classes conveniently 7 days per week. Heat Yoga is committed to providing high quality instruction in a welcoming, loving and respectful environment. Whether you’re looking for a good sweat, deep stretch or a mental recovery flow there’s something for everyone.

What do barre, sculpt yoga, crossfit, shockwave, heat yoga and solidcore all have in common? These were some of the workouts we explored during the month of February through ClassPass.

ClassPass is fairly new to the Twin Cities – it launched in late December, but has been very popular in other markets since 2013. Co-founder Payal Kadakia told Elle Magazine, “It’s about variety, it’s about being able to go and flexibly try the different workouts, to have the freedom. We want people to be active so you’ll be happier, and be more yourself.”

The Wellness Project tested out ClassPassfor a month and here is what we loved:

Adventure – the freedom of trying any of the participating studios allows you to step out of your comfort zone.

Opportunity – you can try a class you have been curious about without a package commitment.

Variety – because you can sign up at any of the participating studios your workouts can be filled with a wide variety of workout types.

Ease – the online booking system was super easy to use and navigate.

Unlimited Classes – you can take as many classes each month as you want (while a member can take as many classes per month as they’d like, they can only visit the same studio 3 times per month).

Expertise – the studios that are part of ClassPass are truly experts in the genre of fitness that they offer. This gives you solid instruction as well as the right environment to try a new activity.

Value – for just $79/month, if you like the classes and the studios are conveniently located – this is a no brainer.

Here are things you should know before you commit:

Research – some studios/classes do not provide complete descriptions on ClassPass. You might need to explore the studio’s website or call to inquire. One of us experienced an entry level Zumba class, that didn’t provide the workout we were seeking.

Bravery – if you are shy or hesitant about new things, you will need to be BRAVE or find a friend. All of the studios we tried were very friendly and welcoming, but even we were a little nervous before each class.

Studio selection/location – because ClassPass is relatively new in this market, they are still signing up studios. So depending on where you live, this may or may not be perfect for you. There are plenty of urban studios near the downtowns, but past the first ring the options are limited.

Class times – because many of the studios are boutique, they offer limited classes each day. This may or may not work with your schedule.

For the Wellness Project, our month with ClassPass was exciting and re-energized our workout routines. We each walked away with a new favorite workout – heat sculpt yoga, crossfit and solidcore. We are all open to trying ClassPass again and definitely would recommend it to someone looking to recharge their workouts, find variety or simply looking to expand their fitness level.

Increase your run time with FREE runner’s yoga. Strengthen your legs to get ready for your run at this yoga class at Union Depot taught by Studio 925 Yoga. Union Depot is the official transit hub of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon and will be hosting this specialized yoga flow to open your hamstrings, hips and lungs for maximum performance on race day.

Race starts at 9 a.m., awards ceremony is at 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage in a gorgeous lakeside refuge. 5K run is over trails on the 535-acre Audubon Center property – 10 K run is part trail and part around Grindstone Lake.

All proceeds go towards the development and improvement of energy education curriculum at the Audubon Center of the North Woods.

Join in on this mostly downhill course through the beautiful St. Croix valley and ending in scenic downtown Stillwater. On this site you’ll find all the information you need about this premier St. Croix Valley running event.

Saturday, September 27 – Lake Park, MN
This is a 20 mile event with all of the proceeds going to the local United Way. It consists of a 6 mile canoe/kayak paddle (w/2 portages), a 10 mile bike and a 4 mile run.